Culture and practice of bowling in 1950s America.


This movie is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives

Producer: Unknown
Sponsor: Bowling Proprietors Association of America
Audio/Visual: Sd, B&W
Keywords: Sports: Bowling; Recreation; Gender roles

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: Karma Hawk - - April 9, 2005
Subject: "This is the explosion point that gives good authority to a good bowler's delivery"
This films purpose is to introduce new players to the world of Bowling. The film seems to poo-poo the idea that you can actually go a turn without making eithier a strike or a spare, which is odd considering how rarely they occur outside of professional competitions. The narator also looks down on how the group seems to be teaching the newbie of the group, eventually calling in two professionals to teach her. Overall not the best, not the worst but kind of boring, thier are some good quotes for editing though.

Reviewer: Spuzz - - September 24, 2003
Subject: Yes, Let's!
Ah, remember when bowling was like the high classy ting one could do in the 1950's? When men bowled in ties and women wore furs when they went to the bowling alley? Well, you can relive those moments in the delirious 'Let's Go Bowling', a film which puts bowling on the same level as, say, church going, as being the requirement of any 1950's respectable person, but remember! Only in 'approved' locations. These approved locations always have instructors who get a LITTLE too close when teaching you how to bowl, and who have their names engraved on their (bowling) balls. Oh, and this is large pin bowling. The topic of small pin bowling, with smaller balls and pins, is briefly covered here. But you'll be a wimp if you play that because a) you'll never get a strike and b) you'll be bowling by yourself as they'll be noone else around. A bowling lesson bookmarked by bizarre observations of bowling culture, this is a reccomended ridiculous romp trip through a small-gauge sport.

Reviewer: Steve Nordby - - September 6, 2003
Subject: "Ten big fat pins just asking for it!"
Starts by overselling bowling as a fun, healthy, wholesome, family activity that welcomes newcomers. Luckily the film's newbies have Ned and Marion, famous professionals, to instruct them. Good bowling instruction (I say as a former youth bowling league champ), and nice bit at the end of part two on etiquette. I, for one, had fun.

Shotlist

Bowling Proprietors Assn. of America Bowling Sports Recreation Leisure 1950s Couples Bowling alleys Families Women (bowling) Men (bowling) Bowling shoes Shoes (bowling) Gender roles Sexism Coat checking Bowling pins Incompetence Fashions (1950s) Clothing (1950s) Day, Ned (bowler) Ladewig, Mary (bowler) Hands Hand grips Feet Body parts Fingers Timing Slow-motion cinematography Pinsetters Machinery (pinsetters) Murals Paintings Decorations Interior decoration Games Socializing Bowling (duckpins) Etiquette Temper tantrums Benches Into camera (bowling balls)
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